I came to this topic somewhat late. Times are not in change for us, they have changed and more then we may have noticed.
It seems that something has been lost over the last 3 years. The cycle of change really started with the birth... or more importantly the death of the dreamcast and sega going multiformat.
Games are no longer played.
Odd a statement that may be, its quite close to being true.
It seems that we live in a time where we dont do what we always thought we did, and still "think" we do.
I realise that what im talking about is bound to be a little confusing. Ok , so the dreamcast, although not really the first console to be "online" , was the first true online games system. It was , from the start more then just something to play games on.
It's changed why people bought a console, or at least lead us onto that path. Its successes helped inform sony, nintendo and microsoft of new ways to go with the little gaming machine on top of the tv. Its played dvds, surfed the internet, played and stored music and eventually movies.
Now each console is something more... or other then a gaming machine.
The xbox has become more an entertainment station, one which will soon allow you to just wave your hands and have any movie you could want at the , well touch of your voice. As long as they are movies microsoft and its partners make avilable.
It'll let you watch live tv, tweet the fact your flapping your arms about on your arse watching movies and football sat on your sofa . Games will only be a little bit of the xbox.
The ps3 will be 3rd life, with blue ray. And a huge hole in your pocket where your money used to be.
And the wii , now is just a strict nazi like health and fitness coach. Its even gotten its little buddy the ds in to keep track on how much you walk. "IM WATCHING YOU EVEN WHEN IM ASLEEP YOU KNOW!! but dont worry its fuuuuun!!"
Its just sat there yelling "DANCE FATTY!, I WANNA SEE YOU DANCE!!"
The only system thats even close to being a pure gaming machine is the psp. And no ones even interested in it anymore.
No longer play games, even when we do its to be better then everyone elce, to compete. To get more gamerpoints then our friends.
And with avatars we can even live indoors, dressing how we want, actually spending real money on clothes that we cant afford in reality.
And i love it!!!
roll on progress.